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I don't know who Brenden Gregg or Jeff Dean are, but a cursory look at their profiles I imagine the thread linking them together is they've set aside time to do

I don't know who Brenden Gregg or Jeff Dean are, but a cursory look at their profiles I imagine the thread linking them together is they've set aside time to do deep thinking and research -- rather than the piecemeal approach of implementation whack-a-mole. So in that vein: 1. Find a very narrow area where you would like to have in-depth knowledge 2. Read the seminal works in that area (could be academic papers, could be blog-posts, could be even code) 3. Go for a long walk, and mull about it for a bit. 4. See if you can add something, no matter how little, to the area 5. ??? 6. Rinse repeat --- Big question is whether that's something you're internally motivated by, or externally. The fruits of that sort of labor are mostly internal; and very few people have the stamina to continually do this, unless it personally fulfills them.

the_only_law 3y ago
> Find a very narrow area where you would like to have in-depth knowledge This is always where I get stuck. I see something, and say “hey this looks interesting” maybe I should invest in this”. But I always worry that I’ll over invest in it at the cost of other more general, but “useful” things.
- DamonHD 3y ago
  The world has space for specialists and generalists, for good reason. So ideally you have a mix of breadth and some very specific depth. If we could see the future accurately we wouldn't need careers advice or HN! Part of this is that you need to take a punt or three, but probably try to ensure they are interesting and enjoyable, since you are more likely to stick at them.
  - cpach 3y ago
    “(…) probably try to ensure they are interesting and enjoyable, since you are more likely to stick at them.” I agree. This comment reminded me of PG’s latest essay, where he writes about this. I can gladly recommend this text. http://paulgraham.com/greatwork.html http://paulgraham.com/greatwork.html

the_only_law 3y ago

> Find a very narrow area where you would like to have in-depth knowledge This is always where I get stuck. I see something, and say “hey this looks interesting” maybe I should invest in this”. But I always worry that I’ll over invest in it at the cost of other more general, but “useful” things.

DamonHD 3y ago
The world has space for specialists and generalists, for good reason. So ideally you have a mix of breadth and some very specific depth. If we could see the future accurately we wouldn't need careers advice or HN! Part of this is that you need to take a punt or three, but probably try to ensure they are interesting and enjoyable, since you are more likely to stick at them.
- cpach 3y ago
  “(…) probably try to ensure they are interesting and enjoyable, since you are more likely to stick at them.” I agree. This comment reminded me of PG’s latest essay, where he writes about this. I can gladly recommend this text. http://paulgraham.com/greatwork.html http://paulgraham.com/greatwork.html